Last summer, Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary committed the department to streamlining and improving procedures to accelerate the transfer of technology developed in DOE's laboratories to the private sector. A key goal was to streamline the negotiation process for Cooperative Research and Development Agreements by 50 percent in one year.
Two improvements to those procedures are the use of a modular CRADA and a small business CRADA which O'Leary approved in January for internal use and for release to DOE's prospective partners. The modular CRADA includes 60 pre-approved provisions and guidance for determining when these provisions are appropriate. These provisions will enable the department's laboratories and their partners to use a mix-and-match approach to develop CRADAs. Using these pre-approved provisions will reduce the time to negotiate agreements and will ensure prompt review by DOE's Operations Offices. The modular CRADA replaces the model CRADA of October 23, 1992.
The small business CRADA is a greatly streamlined document that also should simplify execution of CRADAs. This mechanism is designed as a non-negotiable document not requiring case-by-case departmental review which will directly benefit small businesses.
To obtain a copy of DOE-Approved CRADA Language and Guidance, call DOE Public Affairs at (202) 586-5575.
